With Harry Maguire set to sign a new deal at the club, Manchester United are now leading the race to sign a Premier League captain who could partner him.
Man Utd close to agreeing Maguire contract
A Maguire revival is something that not many saw coming in the last 12 months, but Michael Carrick is proving that just about anyone can return to their best form under his guidance. The interim boss did the same with Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro, whilst also getting Benjamin Sesko firing on all cylinders.
Maguire and Mainoo have even done enough to earn England recalls by Thomas Tuchel, rewarding their recent form at Old Trafford ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
The big question for Man United has been surrounding Maguire’s contract. Despite his recent revival, it looked as though he was on course to become a free agent at the end of the season before David Ornstein’s update.
According to The Athletic reporter, Man United are close to an agreement with the defender over a new contract which will keep him at the club until at least 2027, with the option for one more year.
It’s a major boost and Carrick had his say on the situation earlier this week, telling reporters: “There’s obviously talks going on in terms of what the squad’s going to look like come the end of the season and what it looks like after that.
“Harry’s done fantastic for us. I think it’s pretty obvious to say that. He’s had a big impact on what we’ve done, so we’ll have to see.”
Man Utd working on big-money deal to seal their best signing since Fernandes
Manchester United are now advancing towards a blockbuster summer signing who would transform their midfield.
There was a stage when losing Maguire wouldn’t have been such a problem, but he’s now a leader on and off the pitch – playing a key role and is set receive a deserved reward.
The Red Devils can now focus on finding the England international a partner and reports suggest that will be part of their summer shopping.
That shopping could yet take place locally, too. United are already working on a big-money deal to sign Bruno Guimaraes and the Brazilian could yet be joined by another Premier League captain.
Man Utd leading race to sign Nathan Collins
As reported by TeamTalk, Man United are now in pole position to sign Nathan Collins from Brentford. Those at Old Trafford reportedly believe that the defender is a Premier League standout in his position and are now leading the race for his signature ahead of Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.
|
PL Stats P90 25/26 |
Collins |
Maguire |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
2,252 |
1,127 |
|
Tackles |
0.92 |
0.96 |
|
Successful Aerial Duels |
2.72 |
3.59 |
|
Recoveries |
4.12 |
3.43 |
|
Pass Success Rate |
83.4% |
86.9% |
Man United have certainly identified the right profile if they want Collins to partner Maguire. Dubbed “brilliant” by Brentford boss Keith Andrews, the towering defender isn’t a world away from Maguire aerially and recovers possession at an even better rate – covering his weakness. As a duo, they would be perfect for eachother.
What’s more, the Brentford man has also enjoyed similar success in possession. In almost every metric, he has been comparable to Maguire this season.
At 24 years old, the Brentford captain is approaching the peak of his powers and would be completing a move to Old Trafford at the perfect time. Whether Man United turn their interest into a formal bid remains to be seen, however.